The Belgariad: Part One ~Includes Pawn of Prophecy; Queen of Sorcery; Magician's Gambit [Import] [Hardcover]

David Eddings (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Nelson Doubleday; Book Club Edition edition (1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0712602313
• ISBN-13: 978-0712602310
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,488,983 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Eddings was born in Washington State in 1931 and grew up near Seattle. He graduated from the University of Washington and went on to serve in the US Army. Subsequently, he worked as a buyer for the Boeing Aircraft Company and taught college-level English. His career as a fantasy writer, with his wife Leigh, has been spectacular.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book suspends the reader in a majestic world of sorcery, November 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Queen of Sorcery (The Belgariad, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

Queen of Sorcery is second in The Belgrariad series, following Pawn of Prophecy. This series takes the reader into an entire world of fantasy and sorcery all its own. The characterization was outstanding. The vividness with which the author described the characters was remarkable. Eddings has a way in which he gives you front row seats inside each character's mind. Throughout the book I could always tell how each character would respond in a situation. Also, David Eddings introduces so many characters in this book. There is Garion, an average scullery boy just months before and now the center of the struggle. Belgarath, the ancient but mischevious sorcerer. Polgara, the perfectly beautiful and sorceress and daughter of Belgarath. Durnik, the sensible Sendarian smith. Barak, the hulking bear of a man from Cherek. Silk, the small rat-faced mna from Drasnia who often disgueses as a Drasnian merchant. Lelldorin, the brave and rebellios young Arend who proves to be an extrememly skilled archer. Hettar, the stern-faced Algar with the ability to talk to horses. And Mandorallen, the extrememly strong and noble Mimbrate kinght. The plot is fantasitc. The story line revolves around Garion. Garion has to overcome many conflicts, both mentally and physically. Throughout the book I felt involved in Garion's struggle with the self-resented fsct that he is a sorcerer. In conclusion, Queen of Sorcery is a wonderfully written piece of literature. Its world is indepth and complete. Every addoloscent can relate with Garion as he conflicts with his ability. I think this book should be read by every young adult who has ever asked "Why me?" in times of crisis.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine holiday fun, May 9, 2005

By 

Jared Garrett (Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Queen of Sorcery (The Belgariad, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

Obviously if you are looking for deep and deeply moving literature, David Eddings is not the author you are looking for. However, if you crave straightforward storytelling in which setting, character and plot are unfolded at a steady, entertaining pace, this is the right book for you. Heck, this is the right series for you. I'll even go so far as to say this is the right author for you. Eddings doesn't let himself or his stories get bogged down in endless description of the nice little world he has created. Rather, he has a lot of story to tell and he tells it crisply and with steady determination. His characters reveal humanity at just the right intervals, drawing us readers into the story deftly. Eddings has returned to good versus evil, magic and destiny (like the old, delicious fantasy of our younger years).

As for this book specifically, it continues the Belgariad quite satisfyingly. Garion does seem a little bit slow at times, but really, is it easy for a young man to come to terms with being the King of the World? Polgara steps up in this addition also, adding to our knowledge of the way magic works in this universe. Honestly, the fringe characters are my favorite thing about this series. Destinies intertwine wonderfully as one man fights the beast within while another avoids his birthright at all costs.

All in all, thoroughly enjoyable reading.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Whipped Cream, and a few Nuts, September 1, 2005

By 

J. Mccoy "Steelgaard" (Grand Forks, ND United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Queen of Sorcery (The Belgariad, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

Eddings continues to deliver a story that is so light and delectable, one cannot help but refer to it as whipped cream for the mind.

As the series builds, a few "nuts" are thrown into the mix, and trust me, this is a good thing.

Garion's little band grows, gathering a more delightful cast of characters. Eddings really grabs the reader and gives him every reason to love and sympathise with the characters.

Additionally, Eddings takes the reader on a continued journed through his world. Unlike many author's who draw a map and then tell their story in one locale, Eddings established a map in the first pages of "Pawn of Prohesy" and then he takes us by the hand and walks us through a few countries at a time. Not only do you get to see the characters' growth along the way, you get to see them in differing locales and their reaction to each.

Garion continues to grow into his powers, though they are nowhere near controlable as of yet, and we begin to understand a bit more about his destiny.

My favorite moment in this book comes when "Aunt Pol" reveals to Garion just how much she has gone through to help him and his family. Instantly evaporated are the tedious complaints that can come from s many reluctant heroes, and Garion begins to grow into the young man he will be.

I continue to adore this series. Try it with the expectation of some lighter fantasy reading and you won't be disappointed.